Factors Associated with High Rates of Caesarean Deliveries: A Cross Sectional Study Classifying Deliveries According to Robson in Mengo Hospital Kampala.

Introduction: The number of caesarean section (CS) continues to rise worldwide. CS can improve outcomes in infants and mothers. However, if used improperly, the potential harm can outweigh the potential benefits. Aim: The study was to determine the factors associated with high cesarean section rates at Mengo Hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a mixed-method approach that included a retrospective review of 1276 casebooks using the Robson Ten Group Classification System (RTGCS) for births that occurred at Mengo Hospital in December 2018, January, and February 2019. Questionnaire was used for data collection from 200 mothers on second day after birth from 24th May to 19th July 2019. Eight key informants were interviewed within the same period. Quantitative data were analyzed using STATA V.14, thematic analysis for qualitative data. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association between predisposing factors and outcome variables using chi-square and modified Poisson. Results: Caesarean section rate (CSR) from casebooks was 49% and 64% from the primary data. Group 5(Previous CS, single cephalic, >37 weeks) had (35.4%) to the total number of cesarean deliveries, followed by Group 1 (Nulliparous, single cesarean deliveries, >37 weeks in spontaneous labour), with 18.4%. Group 3 (ultiparous (excluding previous CS), single cephalic, >37 weeks of spontaneous labor) with (13.7%). The common indications from casebooks were a previous scar (32%), obstructed labor (18%), and previous scar (97.6%). Presence of an obstetric indication, influence of husband, friends, relatives, and mother's desire for a CS were closely associated with caesarean delivery. Mothers said that occurrence of CS was due to health workers reducing the stress of monitoring labour and financial benefits from CS deliveries by the hospital. Conclusion: Repeat CS made the highest CSR contribution; therefore, strategies to reduce the frequency of the procedure should include avoiding medically unnecessary primary CS and encouraging vaginal birth after previous CS where applicable.

Predictors of Repeat Cesarean Section in Women with One Previous Lower Segment Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Study from Malaysia.

Background: The rates of repeat cesarean section (CS) among women with previous CS are increasing worldwide. The predictors of a repeat CS can vary across different populations. Objective: To determine the predictors of repeat CS among women from Malaysia with one previous lower segment CS (LSCS) who underwent trial of labor (TOLAC). Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included women with one previous LSCS who followed up and delivered their current pregnancy at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Kelantan, Malaysia, between January 01, 2016, and December 31, 2017. Women with singleton pregnancies were included while those who had a history of classical CS, current pregnancy with preterm birth, non-cephalic pregnancy, lethal fetal anomalies, uterine rupture, and severe preeclampsia or planned for elective CS were excluded. Logistic regressions were performed. Results: The study included 388 women who underwent TOLAC and successfully gave childbirth through vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) (n = 194) or emergency LSCS (n = 194). Factors significantly associated with repeat CS were no history of vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.71; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.60, 4.60; P < 0.001), estimated fetal weight ≥3500 grams (aOR: 4.78; 95% CI: 2.45-9.34; P < 0.001), and presence of meconium-stained liquor (aOR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.33-4.35; P = 0.004). Conclusion: The above-mentioned predictors of a repeat CS among women from Malaysia with one previous LSCS who underwent TOLAC can be useful for clinicians in making an informed decision.

The effects of previous cesarean deliveries on severe maternal and adverse perinatal outcomes at a university hospital in Tanzania.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if multiparous individuals who had undergone a previous cesarean delivery experienced an increased risk of severe maternal outcomes or adverse perinatal outcomes compared with multiparous individuals who had undergone previous vaginal deliveries. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study at a university hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, enrolled multiparous participants of at least 28weeks of pregnancy between February 1 and June 30, 2012 . Data were collected from patients' medical records and the hospital's obstetric database. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to compare outcomes among patients who had or had not undergone previous cesarean deliveries. RESULTS: A total of 2478 patients were enrolled. A previous cesarean delivery resulted in no increase in the risk of severe maternal outcomes (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.58-1.26; P=0.46), and decreased risk of stillbirth (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.29-0.62, P<0.001), and intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal distress (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38-0.87, P=0.007). CONCLUSION: Previous cesarean delivery was not a risk factor for severe maternal outcomes or adverse perinatal outcomes. The present study was conducted at a referral institution, where individuals with previous cesarean deliveries may constitute a healthy group. Additionally, there could be differences between the study groups in terms of healthcare-seeking behavior, referral mechanisms, intrapartum monitoring, and clinical decision making.

Scar Ectopic Pregnancy.

Scar ectopic pregnancy is the rarest form of ectopic pregnancy and has been increasingly diagnosed all over the world. This is a life-threatening form of abnormal implantation of embryo within the myometrium and fibrous tissues in a previous scar on the uterus, especially following caesarean section. With the increasing rate of caesarean section, there is a substantial increase in this condition with better understanding of this disease. The early and accurate diagnosis with timely management can prevent pregnancy complications such as haemorrhage, uterine rupture and can preserve fertility.

A 10-year appraisal of cesarean delivery and the associated fetal and maternal outcomes at a teaching hospital in southeast Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The global rise in cesarean delivery rate has been a major source of public health concern. AIM: To appraise the cesarean deliveries and the associated fetal and maternal outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a case series with data collected retrospectively from the records of patients delivered by cesarean section at the Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki over a 10-year period, from January 2002 to December 2011. Ethical approval was obtained. RESULTS: Of 14,198 deliveries, 2,323/14,198 (16.4%) were by cesarean deliveries. The overall increase of cesarean delivery was 11.1/10 (1.1%) per annum from 184/1,512 (12.2%) in 2002 to 230/986 (23.3%) in 2011. Of 2,097 case folders studied, 1,742/2,097 (83.1%) were delivered at term, and in 1,576/2,097 (75.2%), the cesarean deliveries were emergencies. The common indications for cesarean delivery were previous cesarean scars 417/2,097 (19.9%) and obstructed labor 331/2,097 (15.8%). There were 296 perinatal deaths, giving a perinatal mortality rate of (296/2,197) 134.7/1,000 births. Also, 129/2,097 (6.1%) maternal case fatalities occurred, giving a maternal mortality rate of 908.6/100,000 total births. Hemorrhage 57/129 (44.2%) and sepsis 41/129 (32.6%) were the major causes. CONCLUSION: The study recorded a significant increase in cesarean delivery rate. Previous cesarean scars and obstructed labors were the main indications. Perinatal and maternal case fatalities were huge. Hence, there is need for continued community education for its reduction.

Cervical Ripening Balloon for Induction of Labour in High Risk Pregnancies

Background: The Cervical Ripening Balloon (CRB) is a novel mechanical method for induction of labour (IOL), reducing the risks of hyperstimulation associated with pharmacological methods. However, there remains a paucity of literature on its application in high risk mothers, who have an elevated risk of uterine rupture, namely those with previous scars and grandmultiparity. Methodology: A retrospective study on IOL using the CRB in women with previous caesarean section or grandmultiparity between January 2014 and March 2015. All cases were identified from the Sarawak General Hospital CRB request registry. Individual admission notes were traced and data extracted using a standardised proforma. Results: The overall success rate of vaginal delivery after IOL was 50%, although this increases to about two-thirds when sub analysis was performed in women with previous tested scars and the unscarred, grandmultiparous woman. There was a significant change in Bishop score prior to insertion and after removal of the CRB. The Bishop score increased by a score of 3.2 (95% CI 2.8-3.6), which was statistically significant (p<0.01) and occurred across both subgroups, not limited to the grandmultipara. There were no cases of hyperstimulation but one case of intrapartum fever and scar dehiscence each (1.4%). Notably, there were two cases of change in lie/presentation after CRB insertion. Conclusion: CRB adds to the obstetricians’ armamentarium and appears to provide a reasonable alternative for the IOL in women at high risk of uterine rupture. Rates of hyperstimulation, maternal infection and scar dehiscence are low and hence appeals to the user.